Clinical Coding: CP

Certificate of Proficiency | 35 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Health Professions

Program Website

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Program Description:

Clinical Coding, Certificate of Proficiency, program prepares students to classify medical data from a variety of settings, including inpatient facilities. Coding specialists create coded data used by hospitals and medical providers to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Researchers and public health officials also use this data to monitor patterns and explore new interventions. Advanced coding concepts using current classifications are presented along with advanced strategies for coding regulatory compliance, creating provider queries, and demonstrating excellent coding knowledge and skills. The CCS coding credential demonstrates mastery of coding proficiency.

Locations. This program is offered at Forest Park by taking a mixture of face-to-face and online courses. 

Related Programs. The Health Information Management Department offers an associate and a certificate in the following areas:

Clinical Coding Associate, Certificate of Specialization

Health Information Management, Associate in Applied Science

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES. 

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

1. utilize advanced skills in classifying medical data from patient records, often in a hospital setting but also in a variety of other healthcare settings.
2. create coded data used by hospitals and medical providers to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
3. demonstrate tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.
4. apply the official coding guidelines.
5. assess the quality of coded data.
6. use encoder, grouping, and computer-assisted-coding software, as well as other specialized coding technologies.
7. conduct coding audits.
8. formulate compliant physician query.
9. explain the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Coding.

Missouri Civics Examination.  Students entering college for the very first time in fall 2019 and who intend to complete an associate’s degree must successfully complete a civics examination. Information on who is eligible for a waiver can be found on the STLCC website.

Full-Time Academic Plan 

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.